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Wednesday morning, ESPN analyst Todd McShay had a conference call to discuss the upcoming draft. This came a day after he and Mel Kiper posted their fifth mock drafts of the draft season. While they have grown immensely popular in the draft analyst business, I thought we'd look at what someone else has to say about the draft.
Former NFL personnel guru Gil Brandt works for NFL Media now, and he will occasionally do Q&A sessions on Twitter. He obviously does not run a team now, but his extensive history makes him an intriguing follow on Twitter. I don't know how much game film he watches, but I'm willing to at least hear him out on various topics. It doesn't mean he will always be correct, but it's an experienced personnel man providing another opinion.
On 49ers as a big trade-up candidate
.@COR796 One team I could see is #49ers because of the ammo (would have to throw in future picks). #Browns for same reason.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
I don't see the 49ers moving that high up, but given their draft assets, if they have a particular player they really like, I can't say that any move would surprise me. I think a mid-round move is the most likely scenario, but I'm prepared to be stunned on day one.
On defensive backs
.@BuckyfanMike It might be a tad early. If they like him, they can drop back and get him. I have him in mid-40s. Good player but small.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@shlog3131 I like Walt Aikens the best. James pretty good, too. 22 teams watched Aikens at pro day. Lot of interest. Rounds 3-4
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@Dr_BigHuck #Wisconsin S Dez Southward is unbelievable athlete. #Rice CB Philip Gaines (tho he might go higher than 5-7)
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
The cornerback class is a deep one, with some big names up top, but then a host of interesting small-school names further down. If the 49ers are comfortable with their current group of cornerbacks, they might decide to wait and grab one of the small school corners for Ed Donatell to develop. Or, maybe they grab a bigger name early, then a small school name later.
On wide receivers
.@JerdNumin They say everything is fine in @CodyLatimer3's foot; if true, top of second. Outside chance bottom of 1st
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@Topps122MJ There's chance Robinson could fall out of 2nd. Teams will have to weigh production vs. speed. Very good production.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@ksmithdv Several. Beckham, Evans and Watkins are special in RAC category.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@StephenByrne18 Chance that 6 WRs go in 1st on high end. Thing some will fall to 2nd because of depth.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
On quarterback prospects
.@PapaColli Possibility Garoppolo goes ahead of Bridgewater. I know some teams have those guys flipped. Might be mistake.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@ShortTrees Accuaracy issues will land Logan in 6-7 round. Good athlete.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
.@HJA_Spence Morris will get drafted, but probably late. 6th sounds right.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2014
The Teddy Bridgewater chatter has gotten crazy at this point. The Louisville quarterback was at one point considered among the top candidates for the No. 1 overall pick. In short order many now think he'll drop out of the first round. I have no idea what to think at this point. I want to see someone grab him early to middle first round so I can laugh at draft prognosticators.